Grew heaps praise on Chris Neal

Mark Grew has come out praising goalkeeper Chris Neal, despite the Vale stopper not having too much to do at Brunton Park in Vale’s win against Carlisle United on Saturday.

Tom Pope spoke highly of his goalkeeper after the win against Bury in midweek, reckognising the important part Chris played in the game.

Grew, of course, knows a bit about the art of keeping goal and he is perhaps better qualified than most to form an opinion on the performances of Vale’s current number one.

He said: “He has been our best player this season by far, his consistency levels have been super. I don’t want to tempt fate but some of his saves have been superb.

“On Saturday he didn’t have much to do really, but he made one great save when they hit the bar then after that he had come for every cross.

“He has never fumbled a cross and his kicking was excellent. His all-round game at the moment is top notch.

Despite the praise of the Vale Assistant Manager, Chris Neal knows that he has a good ‘keeper in the shadows just waiting for an opportunity and that helps keep the former Shrewsbury man on his toes.

Grew continued: “Sam Johnson is doing well in the reserves, and Chris knows that anything that goes against him will give Sam the chance to play.

“That’s why I have to keep on at Sam Johnson, telling him that he has got to keep working hard,, because his opportunity will come, whether it’s through injury, suspension or a dip in form.

“He will get his chance and he has got to be ready for it, but at the moment Chris has been absolutely top notch.

“He isn’t one of those that thinks ‘I am playing well so I’ll leave it’, he work hard throughout the week and that’s why he produces it on a Saturday.”